Lady Gators are in real good shape
By Steve King
March 21 2006
Shepparton News
Shepparton Lady Gators have ended their preseason campaign with an 8-2 record after
sweeping a two-game series against Wagga Wagga at the Visy Cares Centre at the weekend.
Having recorded two victories over Wagga Wagga last month, Jodie Danaher's charges
opened confidently against the Blaze on Saturday night, with Ashlee Allan's eight first quarter
points helping last year's division one semi-finalists to a 17-7 lead at the first change.
The Lady Gators managed to extend that margin to 15 points thanks to the shooting of star
recruit Rachel Warton, who finished with a game-high 13 points and young guard Morgan
Owen.
However, the Blaze refused to go away, and outscored the home team 18-11 in the third
quarter to be just eight points down at the final break.
Any chance of an upset were soon laid to rest through the agency of talented 13-year-old
Maddie Garrick, who knocked down two crucial threepointers to help the Lady Gators to a 68-
52 win.
Another fast start on Sunday ensured the Lady Gators would not allow the Blaze to sneak
under their guard.
Again it was Warton who sparked her side with 12 of the Lady Gators' 17 first quarter points.
She finished with 20 for the match, along with youngster Angela Foley, who had 18 in the
secondhalf, including nine consecutive points in the final quarter, as the home team ran out
comfortable 74-47 victors.
Coach Danaher said the weekend's wins capped off an ideal preparation for the Lady Gators.
"We have learned a lot in the 10 games we've played, and we're really looking forward to
round one," Danaher said.
"Youngsters like Ang Foley and Morgan Owen now look comfortable at this level.
"Throw in Rachel Warton, and with Deb Williams and Danni Barbagallo returning, I'm
confident we'll be competitive come round one against Blackburn."